Rust and Paint Bubbling on Trunk

[ForTheHalibut]

Hello,

I was cleaning my M3 (2021) the other day and noticed there was paint bubbling/cracking all along the underside of the trunk lip. See pics as it looks like some visible rust(?).

I've never used any harsh products and hand wash + dry the car. Not sure if its relevant, but I'm located in the most humid state in the US and live near a pond.

Curious if anyone else has experienced paint bubbling similar to this. Also wondering what the process is like for repairing this at the service center. From my understanding this is covered under warranty (I hope )

Thanks in advance!!

 

[Soul Surfer]

That is not good. I would make this Tesla's probalem as soon as possible. This is covered by warranty. I recall reading about previous paint issues, but I think it had to do with white. Notwithstanding, it is a defect.

 

[ForTheHalibut]

Agreed! I’ll make a service request. Hopefully they’re able to fix this under warranty.

 

[felixculpas]

I have similar and made a service request and they said my car has no warranty for this. Have pursued further. 90k km / 56k miles.

 

[felixculpas]

I have similar and made a service request and they said my car has no warranty for this. Have pursued further. 90k km / 56k miles.

If you are out of your 4 year warranty, you won't be covered. Corrosion warranty is only for sheet metal perforations from the inside out.

 

[Greytop]

Looks like I have a similar issue with my new Model 3. Wiping down the car this morning after some rain I noticed the paint bubbling next to the front seam of the trunk/boot lid. The car was only picked up 4th September. If this paint quality is representative of the whole car it doesn't fill me with confidence for the longer term. I've requested a service visit and discussion with the local service manager.

Unfortunately I didn't spot this on pickup, otherwise I would have rejected the car.

 

[fholbert]

Rust? I thought the trunk lid was aluminum?

Hello,

I was cleaning my M3 (2021) the other day and noticed there was paint bubbling/cracking all along the underside of the trunk lip. See pics as it looks like some visible rust(?).

 

[Greytop]

Agreed! I’ll make a service request. Hopefully they’re able to fix this under warranty.

Did service resolve it for you?

 

[ForTheHalibut]

Did service resolve it for you?

Sorry for the late response, haven't been on the forums lately...

The service center in Tampa FL inspected the areas of what I think is aluminum corrosion (although I specifically said it was rust to them). They concluded that this is covered under warranty, but they don't perform any body work in the SC. So they outsourced the work to a nearby certified body shop and they repainted the areas. They did a nice job and I couldn't tell that it was repainted. Was really happy.

However... just a few weeks ago I was cleaning my car and the corrosion appeared again, in the same spots!!! (see pics).

Currently arguing with the SC to replace the entire trunk as the body shop who did the work is refusing to repair the area as they are saying its a manufacture defect. And of course the SC isn't taking responsibility either... really frustrating.

Will update on the (hopeful) resolution.

 

[Greytop]

Sorry to hear you are suffering the same ongoing situation. They really should replace your truck lid in it's entirety.
This corrosion issue around the trunk inside seam must be a reasonably regular issue as I have now seen a few like examples (including yours) online.
The day my car was in the SC for the first time to have this paintwork rectified there was guy with a midnight silver Model 3 having exactly the same issue attended to under warranty, his car was 18 months old.
If mine redevelops the bubbling paint, as yours has, I will be demanding a new factory painted trunk lid too.